The AACCNJ Presents Eric Poe With ‘Economic And Social Justice Ally Award’

Mr. Poe has long been recognized as a consumer rights and social justice advocate, and first began working with the AACCNJ more than a decade ago. During this time, Mr. Poe used his platform to shed light on the unfair practices exhibited by some of the nation’s leading auto insurers. Mr. Poe drew attention to how these companies use education and occupation in order to offer more favorable auto insurance rates to wealthier drivers, regardless of driving record, a system that undoubtedly has a far greater impact on communities of color.

“Driving is not a luxury in this country, but a vital necessity in order to earn a decent living, start a business and create opportunity, and Eric understands this better than most,” said Mr. Harmon. “His work has ensured that African Americans do not get price gouged for legally-mandated insurance, and there is no better person to receive this award than our friend and ally, Eric Poe.”

Mr. Poe regularly gives lectures on this issue and his work in New Jersey has resulted in currently pending legislation in Trenton. On a federal level, he has also helped introduce national legislation on the same issue alongside Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12). This important work has also created the environment necessary to see reforms nationwide, which included the passing of amended laws in New York, California, Michigan and Maryland all in the last year.

“The issue of auto insurance reform has been important to my family and me since the early 1990s – in fact, it’s the reason we started CURE. We felt it was necessary to establish an equal playing field for drivers that determine insurance price based on actual driving records,” explains Mr. Poe. “Thanks to the incredible work of Mr. Harmon and the AACCNJ, we have been able to move the needle on this issue and will continue to push until the system is fixed. I am honored to receive this award and will continue to fight for equality and fairness.”

Cover Photo: John Harmon, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey awards Eric Poe, COO of CURE Auto Insurance with the ‘Economic and Social Justice Ally Award.